Herb Butter Salmon Foil Packets

$- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 lemon, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Optional: Fresh vegetables (like asparagus or zucchini) for added texture To make herb butter salmon foil packets, you need a few key ingredients. First, salmon fillets are the star of the dish. They are healthy and full of flavor. Choose fresh fillets for the best taste. Next, you will need unsalted butter. The butter adds richness to the salmon. Mixing in fresh herbs like parsley and dill gives the butter a fresh taste. The lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a zesty kick. Garlic brings warmth and depth to the flavor. You can also add salt and pepper to season the mix. Slices of lemon and halved cherry tomatoes add color and texture when baked. If you want more veggies, try adding asparagus or zucchini. These add nice crunch and flavor. Using these ingredients, you make a simple yet tasty meal. The foil packets keep everything moist and flavorful. It’s a great way to enjoy a gourmet meal at home with minimal effort. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I mix the softened butter with fresh herbs. I use chopped parsley and dill for a bright flavor. You want to blend these until they are smooth. Next, I add freshly minced garlic to the mix. Garlic gives a rich taste that pairs well with the salmon. Then, I squeeze in some lemon juice to add a zesty twist. Finally, I sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is key to making the salmon tasty and aromatic. Now, I cut out four large pieces of aluminum foil. Each piece should be big enough to wrap around a salmon fillet. I place one salmon fillet in the center of each piece. This is where the magic happens! I spread a generous layer of the herb butter mixture on top of each fillet. Next, I arrange lemon slices and halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon. If I want extra veggies, I can add asparagus or zucchini. This step adds color and texture to the dish. Finally, I fold the foil over the salmon and seal the packets tightly. Sealing them well keeps all the flavors in. I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). Once ready, I place the foil packets on a baking sheet. I bake them for 15 to 20 minutes. To check if the salmon is done, I look for it to flake easily with a fork. If it does, it is ready to eat! Carefully, I open the foil packets to avoid the steam. I love serving the salmon right in the foil for a fun, casual look. To cook salmon just right, you need to adjust the time. Thicker fillets need more time, while thinner ones cook faster. As a rule, cook salmon for about 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F. Always check for doneness. A meat thermometer is a great tool. Insert it into the thickest part of the salmon. The ideal temperature is 145°F. When it reaches this, the salmon is safe to eat and will be tender. To boost flavor, add more herbs. Fresh basil or chives work well with the dill and parsley. You can also try a hint of thyme for a unique twist. Pair your salmon with different veggies. Asparagus or zucchini adds nice texture. You can also use bell peppers or broccoli for a colorful mix. These extra ingredients not only enhance taste but also add nutrition. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs significantly enhance the flavor of the herb butter. Always choose fresh parsley and dill for the best results. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the salmon while baking. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture; aim for a tender, flaky result. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. Serve with a Side: Complement the salmon with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious herb butter sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily swap salmon for other fish like trout or tilapia. These options also cook well in foil. Each fish brings its unique taste. For a vegetarian twist, use tofu instead of salmon. Just press the tofu to remove extra water, then season it like the fish. This way, you can enjoy the same herb butter flavor without meat. You can choose between grilling and baking. Grilling gives a nice char and smoky flavor. Just place the foil packets on the grill and keep an eye on the time. Baking is simple too. Just place the packets in the oven at 400°F until the fish is done. If you don't have an oven or grill, you can use a stovetop. Just heat a large skillet and add the foil packets. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam. This method works well, but make sure to watch the cooking time closely. Each method offers a fun way to enjoy your herb butter salmon foil packets! To keep your Herb Butter Salmon fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let the salmon cool to room temperature. Then, place the salmon in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap each salmon packet tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. When reheating your salmon packets, I suggest using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to keep the salmon moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just remove the foil and place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often to avoid drying it out. Yes, you can prepare Herb Butter Salmon Foil Packets ahead. This makes meal prep easy. Prepare the foil packets but do not bake them yet. Store the uncooked packets in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This keeps the salmon fresh and flavorful. When ready to cook, simply bake them straight from the fridge. If you want to store them longer, freeze the packets. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in foil. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Herb Butter Salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed asparagus - Roasted potatoes - Quinoa salad - Garlic bread - Mixed green salad These sides add flavor and color to your meal. They also complement the salmon's rich taste. Yes, you can use frozen salmon in foil packets. Here’s how: - Do not thaw the salmon before cooking. - Increase the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes. - Check for doneness; the salmon should flake easily. Using frozen salmon can save time and reduce waste. Just make sure to use fresh herbs and seasonings for the best flavor. This blog covered how to make delicious Herb Butter Salmon. You learned about key ingredients like salmon, butter, and fresh herbs. I shared step-by-step instructions, from mixing the herb butter to cooking the salmon perfectly. Tips helped you adjust for thickness and flavor. You also discovered variations like using other fish or grilling. Now, enjoy your tasty dish, whether it's a cozy meal or a meal prep option. Each bite will remind you that cooking can be fun and easy. Get creative, and experiment with your favorite flavors!$

Herb Butter Salmon Foil Packets

Delicious salmon fillets topped with a flavorful herb butter, baked in foil for a moist and easy meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Optional: Fresh vegetable (like asparagus or zucchini) for added texture

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Cut out four large rectangles of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap around the salmon fillets.
Place one salmon fillet in the center of each foil rectangle.
Spread the herb butter mixture generously on top of each salmon fillet.
Arrange the lemon slices and halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon. If using vegetables, lay them on the foil alongside the salmon.
Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and vegetables, sealing the packets tightly to keep in the steam and flavors.
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the steam) and serve the salmon directly in the foil for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

Serve the foil packets on a large platter with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs for a colorful touch.

Keyword easy dinner, foil packets, herb butter, salmon